‘Bharat Mata…’ Wife’s last salute in Mandi as Himachal martyr killed in J&K laid to rest
MANDI:The mortal remains of Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar, a resident of Barnog village under Chamyar panchayat of Nachan Assembly constituency in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, arrived at his native village on Tuesday (November 12, 2024) and the last rites were conducted with full state honours.
A large number of people gathered to pay their last respects to the fallen soldier. In a deeply moving tribute, Rakesh’s wife raised the slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” (victory to Mother India) three times, before offering her final salute with the words “Jai Hind”. Their seven-year-old son, Pranav, performed the last rites. Friends, relatives, local leaders and the public offered their heartfelt tributes, honouring his sacrifice with chants of “Rakesh Kumar amar rahe” (long live Rakesh Kumar).
Community Pays Respect to the Brave Soldier
Among the dignitaries present were MLA Vinod Kumar, Inder Singh Gandhi, APMC Mandi chairman Sanjeev Guleria, former Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sohan Lal, State Cooperative Society director Lal Singh Kaushal, Mandi zila parishad president Pal Verma, former Nachan Congress candidate Naresh Chauhan, DIG (Central Zone) Soumya Sambasivan, Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, Additional SP Sagar Chander, Balh SDM Smritika Negi and senior military officers. Community members and government officials gathered to express their condolences and pay homage to Rakesh Kumar.
Governor, CM, Leader of Opposition offer condolences
The Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shiv Pratap Shukla, also expressed his heartfelt condolences, stating that Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar’s supreme sacrifice for the nation would always be remembered, and that he would remain an inspiration for the youth. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu too offered his condolences.
Leader of the Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur, visited Rakesh Kumar’s family at their home in Barnog to convey his condolences and express solidarity in their time of grief. Rakesh Kumar is survived by his 90-year-old mother Bhatti Devi, his wife Bhanupriya (33), daughter Yashasvi Thakur (12) and son Pranav Thakur (7).
